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Beyerdynamic DT 990 Pro — Open-back
Beyerdynamic

Beyerdynamic DT 990 Pro

Open-back

84
/ 100
From $179
VS
AirPods Max wins by 4
AirPods Max — Over-ear · 2020
Apple

AirPods Max

Over-ear · 2020

88
/ 100
From $549
Specdex verdict

AirPods Max takes it — here’s why.

In our weighted Specdex score, Beyerdynamic DT 990 Pro lands at 84 and AirPods Max at 88. That puts AirPods Max ahead by 4 points — a narrow margin driven mostly by its strengths in the categories below.

Pick Beyerdynamic DT 990 Pro if…

  • ✓Reference-level detail
  • ✓Well-regarded in audiophile community
  • ✓Long-term ownership appeal

Pick AirPods Max if…

  • ✓Flagship comfort + ANC on modern models
  • ✓Premium build
  • ✓Active noise cancellation (most models)
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Winner by scenario

Derived from the sub-score breakdown · not a separate test

Sound quality

AirPods Max

Tuning, detail, and staging

AirPods Max leads on sound (88 vs 84).

Noise cancelling

AirPods Max

ANC strength for commute and travel

AirPods Max leads on anc (86 vs 0).

Comfort

Tie

Long-session wearability

Effectively tied — neither pulls a 2-point weighted lead.

Value for money

Beyerdynamic DT 990 Pro

Specdex score per dollar at MSRP

Beyerdynamic DT 990 Pro more score per dollar ($179 vs $549).

Beyerdynamic DT 990 Pro 84
vs
88 AirPods Max

Score breakdown

Beyerdynamic DT 990 Pro
84
anc 0
sound 84
comfort 88
battery 100
features 50
AirPods Max
88
anc 86
sound 88
comfort 87
battery 82
features 84

Specs side-by-side

Beyerdynamic DT 990 Pro versus AirPods Max — full spec comparison
Spec Beyerdynamic DT 990 Pro AirPods Max
Type
Open-back
Over-ear
Release year
—
2020

Beyerdynamic DT 990 Pro

Pros
  • +Reference-level detail
  • +Well-regarded in audiophile community
  • +Long-term ownership appeal
Cons
  • −Requires amplifier (most)
  • −No active noise cancellation
  • −Impractical for commuting

AirPods Max

Pros
  • +Flagship comfort + ANC on modern models
  • +Premium build
  • +Active noise cancellation (most models)
Cons
  • −Battery varies by codec
  • −Some are Bluetooth-only
  • −Price creep vs previous gen

FAQ: Beyerdynamic DT 990 Pro vs AirPods Max

Which is better, Beyerdynamic DT 990 Pro or AirPods Max? +

AirPods Max scores 88 on our weighted rubric — ahead by 4. Your best pick depends on the sub-scores above.

Is Beyerdynamic DT 990 Pro worth the price? +

At $179, Beyerdynamic DT 990 Pro delivers a Specdex score of 84 — strongest in battery.

Is AirPods Max worth the price? +

At $549, AirPods Max delivers a Specdex score of 88 — strongest in sound.

Does Beyerdynamic DT 990 Pro or AirPods Max last longer? +

Based on our long-term update and support ratings, both ship with multi-year support. Battery and reliability scores are visible in the breakdown above.

Which is better for sound quality, Beyerdynamic DT 990 Pro or AirPods Max? +

AirPods Max — leads on sound (88 vs 84). Tuning, detail, and staging.

Which is better for noise cancelling, Beyerdynamic DT 990 Pro or AirPods Max? +

AirPods Max — leads on anc (86 vs 0). ANC strength for commute and travel.